ski tips - Pitstops for Kids

Northstar California: a guide to the mountain for kids, by kids

February 4, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

After multiple trips to Northstar California resort with my kids, I asked them what, in their opinion, kids shouldn’t miss on the slopes. Their top picks:

Cat’s Face, the 22-foot half-pipe: Built for Olympic medalist Shaun White (who recently selected Northstar as his home resort), this intimidating half-pipe (with vertical sides 22 feet tall) is used by Shawn for training purposes…but open to the public when he’s away (which is nearly all the time). The kids (and parents!) dared go down it…and had a blast once our hearts stopped dropping into our stomachs!

The Northstar Terrain Park off Vista chair: When snow depth allows, this huge terrain park splits into both medium and small sections, but the groomers and designers in charge of the various features are such masters (Northstar is known for this) that no matter how much (or little) snow the resort has to work with, there are a variety of options for everyone from beginners to experts.

Mom Tip: if you have young kids who are not terrain park experts, but still love to spend time tearing it up there, go in the morning. The park will be far less crowded, ensuring that your kids don’t get hurt by other riders and skiers (and also don’t get in the way of more serious athletes).

Lookout Link: This poma bar lift serves as a quick transfer to Lookout Mountain (which is great for glade skiing, by the way) and is located right below the new Zephyr Lodge. The novelty of a poma bar is fun for those who haven’t tried it (even beginners can do it) and a bit of nostalgia for those parents who grew up with them!

Sawtooth Ridge: For expert skiers and riders, this glade with gated opening to the far side of Backside is a great place to play. Check whether it’s open before embarking on this off-piste section! Additional off-piste terrain on Backside that’s open more often: from the top of the Backside Express, take a left along the ridge to find several gates with tree skiing.

The Stash: The Stash, located toward the bottom of the Zephyr Express lift, is an inspired wonderland of natural elements and features, such as logs to slide along, tunnels, and even a cabin skiers and boarders can ride off the roof of when snow levels are high enough! Consider The Stash an all-natural terrain park, with tree skiing added in! (Smaller ‘Adventure Parks’ are located throughout the mountain for younger skiers, too.)

Mom Tip: Since terrain can change drastically, even during the course of a single vacation, we love that the Northstar grooming team always lets guests know which runs have been groomed overnight. Just check for the orange symbol on trail signage!

The Woods route back to the Village: This (not so) secret route back to the Northstar Village is a great alternative to the super crowded Village Way. (In the late afternoons, that route can become downright congested.) Find the entrance to The Woods run at the end of the Cat’s Face super half-pipe.

Powder Bowl off East Ridge: From the top of the Comstock chair, cruise along the East Ridge to Powder Bowl. If you have advanced skiers and riders, take the black diamond Powder Bowl chute, and if you have intermediate abilities, take the Powder Bowl trail. Either option will drop you into a fun, open bowl with multiple tree glade trails, jumps, and bumps. Kids can make their own path, or stick to wider open intermediate terrain, and meet parents by the Rendezvous chair (all routes lead in this direction).

For moms and dads (and kids): Check out Tost, offered on the East Ridge off Comstock Express at 2 pm daily. This fun Northstar event includes complimentary champagne for adults and sparkling cider for kids. In sunny weather, sit on bean bag chairs or Adirondack chairs.

Tubing! Don’t forget about tubing! Located mid-mountain right above the Day Lodge (look for the Tubing Yurt), the tubing track at Northstar is faster than most (and these kids have tried many!). Tubing tickets are sold separately (buy them for $30/hour in the Village where you buy lift tickets…you won’t need more than one hour). It’s a great choice for non-skiers who still want to spend time on the mountain. Kids can go in a ‘train’ of two or more tubes (at the operators’ discretion), which makes it even more fun. We opted to tube during our day off skiing, and it made for an entertaining morning activity. Parents who don’t want to purchase tickets can easily watch hill-side.

How did the Pit Stops kids’ know where all this cool stuff was? They started their vacation with a private family lesson, during which their instructor, Jon, showed them all over the mountain. Not only did the kids get great instruction, but they got their own private tour guide while enjoying fast pass line access! Families can add up to six people to one private lesson, making it a very good value. And I hear (though I wasn’t allowed to see for myself) that there’s a secret kids-only lodge for lesson attendees, where the hot chocolate and marshmallows flow freely!

Want to see some of the action for yourself? Time for a Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam!

The kids thank Northstar for allowing them to experience the mountain with both a private instructor, and later, with boring old Mom and Dad.

Travel Gear We Use: Ski day accessories

January 23, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Today on Travel Gear We Use, we’re talking ski accessories. The following ski gear items are products we use either to make ski days more fun or more affordable. Both are high on my list when planning ski trips!

Goggle Graffiti:

Haven’t heard of Goggle Graffiti, or seen it on the slopes yet? Neither had we, until we tried it out. These fun labels attach to your kids’ goggles, and add both personality and practicality to your ski day. With various messages, kids can customize their sayings to suit their interests and personalities, which make the labels fun conversation starters on the ski lifts. (We have one that says Ski Happy, plus additional ‘tags’ with logos from some of our favorite ski resorts.) Plus, Goggle Graffiti make it easy for kids to identify their goggles in a pile, and help to keep them from being lost. You can even add an ID tag to your Goggle Graffiti, so you can write in your kid’s contact information. Buy at GoggleGraffiti.com for $8.95 each, or find a deal at Amazon by following the button below.

Turtle Fur Clavas:

There are a lot of different face masks and bandanas out there, and it feels like we’ve tried them all. For the best fit and least amount of adjustments/hassle/discomfort, Turtle Fur clavas win. These fleece neck gaiters feature a lighter weight full hood as well, which means kids’ heads stay warmer in their helmets and the ‘scarf’ portion of the clava doesn’t fall down off their faces. Pick one up for as low as $12.

Hand warmers:

Don’t buy them at at the slopes! Do yourself a favor and buy hand warmers by the box before your ski trip. We never–ever–go skiing without hand warmers at the ready in everyone’s jacket pocket. On days we don’t need them…yippee! But we’re always ready for when we do. And my kids’ attitudes while skiing are greatly heightened by this small addition to their ski day ‘wardrobe’. We’re not partial to any particular brand, but HotHands seem to be the most widely available. Where to buy: you can pick up hand warmers (and boot warmers) at most outdoor stores and even Costco, or buy on Amazon for as little as $19 a box (expect to pay $2-3 a warmer on the mountain).

Darn Tough Vermont socks:

Do yourself a favor, and don’t skimp on the kids’ ski socks. Darn Tough Vermont socks outlast all our others, and are the coziest and warmest for the kids. They are priced compatibly with other high-end wool sock brands designed for ski days, such as SmartWool (also good). Darn Tough socks are made in America and are Merino wool with a bit of stretch, which kids appreciate. Buy them for as low as $16 on Amazon.

Punkrox Fohawx

Never lose sight of your kids on the ski hill again when they’re wearing these easy-to-attach helmet accessories. Comes in mohawk, dreadlocks, and crown, and they’re easy to take on or off. We get more compliments and questions about fohawx than ANY other travel or outdoor gear!

Find more gear in the Travel Gear We Use series (click below):

Top reasons why Breckenridge is a perfect family ski vacation

September 22, 2014 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Pit Stops for Kids is happy to take part in the third annual Back to Ski Week, which includes tips on planning a family ski vacation as well as chances to win prizes. To learn more visit the Back to Ski site and sign up for the newsletter, follow @back2ski on Twitter, or like it on Facebook.

Today we hear from inveterate outdoorswoman and lover of the Rockies Amber Johnson of The Mile High Mama about why a visit to Breckenridge, Colorado is perfect for families interested in fun on the slopes. We were compensated for writing this post; all opinions are the author’s.

From our perch atop Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 6, our senses were in overdrive—first, the sound of silence, followed by the wind clinking through patches of hoarfrost crystals. My husband and I eased off the chairlift as our ski tips sliced through our powder playground, tracing hourglasses down the mountain.

Coloradoans are spoiled with 25 ski resorts but if you’re looking for the perfect winter vacation, look no further than Breckenridge. This authentic mining town 1.5 hours from Denver has it all: a world-class ski resort, the Blue River (a tributary of the raging Colorado River), an idyllic Main Street, gourmet dining, and glittering boutiques. It is also part of an 80-mile network of paved, motorized bike paths that connect other Summit County resorts like Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Vail.

Here are just a few more reasons why this upscale yet laid-back resort is one of the best for families.

Ski Bums:

Breckenridge Ski Area sprawls across the southern sector of Summit County’s Tenmile Range and is consistently ranked as one of the most visited ski areas in the country. But with an impressive 2,908 acres and 34 lifts, the crowds dissipate the higher you go as you carve out your own private Colorado.

After dropping our kids off at ski school, my husband and I did the “freedom” shout and warmed up on groomer Duke’s Run before heading over to Peak 6. As Breck’s new 543-acre addition, it features high-alpine, intermediate bowl skiing (a true rarity).

Peak 6 lives up to its hype so long as you are attempting this timberline-topping terrain on a bluebird day. If there is any trace of wind or snow, you’ll feel like you are trapped inside a snow globe. Fortunately with a resort this size, there are plenty of other areas to take cover or fly high, including four award-winning terrain parks and a 22-foot superpipe.

At the end of an exhausting day, we picked the kids up from ski school and were later able to track their progress via the EpicMix app’s newest feature, EpicMix Academy. Though the wind kept us from the Golden Runner Alpine Coaster, the kids are already begging to take us back to their favorite haunts that included Trygve’s small terrain park with moderate jumps and boxes.

Tip: There’s no parking at the base so park for free in the Gondola parking lots in town and take the BreckConnection Gondola to the base of Peak 8. A complimentary shuttle also runs throughout town and delivered us right in front of Pine Ridge Condos where we proceeded to soak in the hot tub and then burrow up to a fire and a movie while a storm raged outside. That, my friends, is what a ski vacation is all about.

Good Times Dog Sledding:

TripAdvisor ranks dog sledding as the No. 1 activity in Breckenridge so you’d better believe it is epic. Good Times Adventures is the only snowmobile and dog sledding tour operator in Summit County and offers a 6-mile tour that is perfect for families (adults are $75; children ages 4-8 are $40).

We became acquainted with our team of Siberian Huskies and learned how they are attached to the sled with a series of lines called rigging that includes the tow line (or gang line), tug lines and neck lines. Each sled had a basket where gear or a passenger was carried and were outfitted with a braking device.

Good Times offers various levels of dog sledding and we chose the tamer “Disney” experience. I was thrilled when our guide announced the kids would get to drive the team during our slow and steady uphill climbs (many dog sledding operators only let their clients sit in the basket). They were in their element; rosy-cheeked, their “MUSH” commands echoing through the trees as the pitter-patter of husky paws on snow distilled Colorado’s Swan River Valley to its purest incarnation.

After my son’s turn, he moved to the basket while I drove him for the first time. Notoriously cautious when faced with new challenges, he lectured me, “Now, Mom. Lean into your turns and remember…have a good time!”

With Good Times Adventures, it’s tough to do otherwise.

More Breck fun:

Cross-country skiing. Breckenridge may be known for its ample snow and giant halfpipes, but the resort also has more than 30 miles of cross-country trails, plus an additional 25 trails in the surrounding White River National Forest.

Skating. Children of all ages love the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, which offers both an indoor and outdoor ice rink. Located on Boreas Pass Road, it is open for public skating seven days a week.

Sledding. Grab your tube and join the locals over at Carter Park, one of the few places to sled in town. The hill is located at the south end of High Street and adjacent to Breckenridge Elementary School.

Main Street. This charming Historic District is dotted with boutiques, eateries and galleries. My kids are huge fans of the unique Peak a Boo Toys (and the big indoor play area is a bonus on cold days). The town’s Arts District recently showcased seven new buildings and will offer expanded workshops for travelers, especially kids. If you stop at the Welcome Center, head upstairs for some cool old ski exhibits and a great view of the slopes. Also check-out the Mountain Top Children’s Museum, which is perfect for younger kids with out-of-the-box, imaginative exhibits.

Events. Breckenridge has an awesome line-up of events but our favorites include Ullr Fest (In 2015 from January 11-17), where the community plays tribute to the Norse God of Snow. Also in January, the International Snow Sculpture Championships hosts snow artists from across the globe transform 20-ton blocks of snow into an outdoor art gallery.

Want help planning your Breckenridge trip? Be sure to visit the GoBreck website.

Knowing your ski ability level: how to interpret ski slope ratings for your family

February 1, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

This fun infographic says it all, and if you go on a family ski vacation, you’ll see these universal ski slope ratings no matter where you go:

How to know your (and your kids’) ski ability level:

Get out there and ski! There are many ways to gauge a skier’s level (we recommending taking family lessons when visiting major ski resorts), but if you find yourself free-skiing with your kids, start with beginner runs but don’t be afraid to push yourself to steeper terrain.

Green means go: Green circle beginner runs are great for everyone, from the new skiers in your family to the little shredders. Green runs are always groomed, and often take the form of ‘cat tracks’ or ‘roads’ that kids find very fun to navigate. Kids with higher ability levels will enjoy veering off the trail to find fresh powder or small jumps, but keep the speed down: green runs are meant for beginners and more cautious skiers and snowboarders.

Blue means explore: We say that blue square intermediate runs foster exploration because once you’ve graduated beyond green runs, the terrain gets more exciting! Blue runs can take many forms, including long groomers, more cat tracks, and even some gladed (tree-lined) skiing. Blue runs are almost always available from the top of even the highest chairs, meaning you or your kids can now navigate the whole peak!

Black means expert: No doubt about it, black diamond runs should be respected. Like blue runs, black runs can take many forms, and vary in difficulty. They can contain moguls, bowls, powder, and deep ruts, and can be harder to navigate in poor conditions, such as ice or fog. Don’t be afraid to try them, however; my kids all remember their first black diamond runs!

More than one factor goes into a ski slope rating:

Bear in mind that steepness is not the only criteria that goes into a ski slope rating. Bumps and moguls (which can alter overnight), sharp turns, and bowls with ever-changing conditions also constitute higher ratings. Even once a run has been labeled, look twice before attempting it: visibility, snow conditions, and weather all effect a run’s difficulty on any given day.

Study the resort trail map before hitting the slopes:

My kids love looking over the trail map, and I admit I’m guilty of pouring over it pre-vacation, too. While families are not going to memorize every run, it’s nice to find the lifts that offer the most selection of runs in the level of your choice, or identify lifts that offer a green and blue run adjacent to one another, should you have a beginner and an intermediate skier cruising along together.

This post was written in conjunction with my partnership with Mountain Reservations as a Mountain Ambassador.

Dining in Whistler Village: where to eat on a budget

January 16, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

A walk through Whistler Village‘s famed Village Stroll will take families past plenty of dining options, but a perusal of menus will show that most fall in the mid-to fine dining category. While families vacationing in Whistler should plan for at least one culinary night out, for the rest of the time, it is possible to dine in Whistler on a budget. Below, find our top tips for saving on dining at Whistler.

1. Make breakfast your meal out.

Whistler Village is full of great breakfast dining options, and prices are almost always lower during this first meal of the day. Instead of eating out for dinner, we like to splurge on breakfast at Crepes Montagne or Hot Buns Bakery, both located in the Whistler Village. If you’re anxious to hit the slopes, consider buying a First Tracks ticket for Whistler Blackcomb and dining at a mid-mountain buffet before being first to hit the powder or corduroy.

2. Make Apres Ski a meal.

One of my favorite parts of the ski day is actually apres ski, when my family and I relax within the fun ambiance of a ski village restaurant or bar. At many Whistler Village and Upper Village locations, a few appetizers and drinks for the family can feed everyone, for less than the cost of a sit-down dinner. Our favorite apres ski locations includes Earl’s in the village and the Mallard Lounge in the Fairmont Chateau in the Upper Village.

3. Look for family chain restaurants.

While exploring a new place, we like to patronize unique, local dining spots, but sometimes the budget simply doesn’t allow it. In Whistler Village, families can find a White Spot and an Old Spaghetti Station. We ate at the latter during our Whistler vacation for under $60 for a family of five.

4. Leave the village behind.

Outside the Whistler Village, numerous family restaurants are located within 2 km. Whether it’s worth it to you to use your car, only you can decide. For us, we loved the ease of never driving during our Whistler vacation, so we didn’t venture outside the villages.

5. Order kids meals on-mountain.

After ordering kids meals at Rendezvous Lodge, Blackcomb’s mid-mountain lodge, for my two kids under age 12, a staff member told me anyone can order these, regardless of age. For $8.99, you get an entree (limited to kid-friendly selections), two healthy snacks (such as yogurt or edimeme), and a child sized drink. A kids meal would have been more than enough food for even the adults in our group.

For a splurge, consider one of the many venues in Whistler Blackcomb offering fondue dinners to share with the family!

Whistler Village on Dwellable

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Introducing an Alternative to Hotels

November 4, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Halloween is over, and for me and my family, that means one thing: the holiday travel season is upon us! Instead of staying home for the holidays, the Pit Stops family is excited to be reviewing >this beautiful HomeAway property near Lake Tahoe, CA during the week of Christmas, and can’t wait to share the experience with Pit Stops for Kids readers!

Does your family travel for the holidays? If so, where do you stay? With extended family, sharing a guest room or the living room couch? In a hotel room, cramped for space? I’ve done both, and needless-to-say, I’m looking forward to trying something different in vacation rental site HomeAway. I recommend checking it out if you, too, plan to travel this holiday season (or any time at all!).

Why rent a home for holiday travel?

It can be cheaper. Whether you find yourself on the road to visit family this holiday season or to get away from it all, you’ll probably want to stay in one location more than a day or so. Vacation homes are ideal for multi-night and weekly stays. I always look for one because my family of five usually requires two hotel rooms per night. Two rooms x seven nights = a hefty hotel charge on our hands! In contrast, most HomeAway rental properties rent weekly for less. And don’t forget about the cost of eating meals out: the price of your weekly rental property includes the built-in money-saver of your own kitchen!

It’s more relaxing. Cramped hotel rooms mean more noise, more kids underfoot (ok, the kids don’t multiply, but it sure feels like it!), and less sleep for everyone at night. In a rental property, we can spread out, cook our own food (or at least pour our own cereal…a savings in itself), do our own laundry, sleep in separate bedrooms…you get the idea. It’s more like home. And there’s a lot less of ‘get off of that!’, ‘stop that right this minute!’ and ‘So-in-so’s hogging the bathroom!’.

You’re given personalized attention. Forget a concierge. HomeAway rental properties offer something better: independent owners who know their properties (and locations) inside and out (quite literally). In the process of reserving my HomeAway property, I was put in immediate contact with the property owner, who was (and continues to be) an invaluable resource for me as I plan our vacation. She knows the community, the best local restaurants, and the most popular activities for kids. She’s been able to explain not only the trash pick-up schedule and how to work the thermostat, but where we should plan to ski and which local holiday celebrations are not to be missed.

You’re in good hands. HomeAway is the world leader of vacation home rentals, and with more than 425,000 rentals offered in 120 countries, travelers are bound to find an ideal property almost anywhere. In addition, by renting through HomeAway, you have the option of signing up for their first-of-its-kind Carefree Rental Guarantee, which provides up to $10,000 of payment protection.

Find Vacation Rental Deals!

Stay tuned for our next Home (Away) for the Holidays segment and details on our HomeAway vacation rental experience this holiday season!